Huntsman School Students Sweep Top Honors at Microsoft's Hack4Good 3.0
Logan, UT — Utah State University students recently made their mark on the global stage, participating in Hack4Good 3.0, a high-impact initiative hosted by Microsoft that challenges participants to develop AI-powered solutions for nonprofit organizations. This year’s event brought together students, Microsoft employees, industry professionals, and nonprofit leaders to tackle some of today’s most pressing societal issues.
The experience kicked off virtually on January 22, 2025, with weekly preparation calls leading up to the final in-person event in Bellevue, Washington, from March 24–27, 2025. Students from USU collaborated on interdisciplinary teams alongside peers from the University of Maryland, industry mentors, and global nonprofit organizations.
Through their participation, students not only created mission-driven, innovative tools using artificial intelligence but also gained real-world experience in cross-functional teamwork, problem-solving, and social impact design. The event concluded at the Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit on March 27, where teams presented their final projects to an audience of leaders and changemakers.
USU is proud to announce that its students played key roles on all three winning teams:
- 1st Place: Conservation International – USU student Brianna Brown
- 2nd Place: Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation – USU student Tiandra Taylor
- 3rd Place: Goodwill Industries International – USU students Lydia Wright & Brooke Monson
“Our students jumped in with both feet—networking confidently, collaborating closely with professionals from across the country, and representing Utah State University with excellence,” said Polly Conrad, Senior Lecturer in Data Analytics and Information Systems and Director of Student Experience at the Analytics Solutions Center. “They brought the Aggie spirit to every interaction. It was amazing to watch them grow, contribute meaningfully, and leave their mark on such an impactful global event.”
Utah State University celebrates the dedication and ingenuity of these students as they continue to apply their skills for global good—proving that the next generation of tech-savvy leaders is already making waves in the world of social innovation.